This was the first book I ever bought on Yiddish, and it's the best introduction I could have hoped for.
Leo Rosten, who died in 1997, makes this book a dictionary of Yiddish humor. Even the front cover of my copy was designed in the spirit of the book : it reads The JOYs Of Yiddish !
Each word is given its phonetic pronunciation, not in any dry, theoretical way, but by illustrating the cadence of the word or phrase by comparison with an English word or phrase. Each of the definitions is further refined with at least one Jewish anecdote, giving an incredibly accurate view of exactly how the word or phrase might be applicable.
Not only a book of linguistic interest - it should also be in the library of every stand-up comedian, after-dinner speaker and lover of gentle humor.
 |  |